If I let myself love you and you leave me, I’ll crumble to dust.
Her rational brain knew that wasn’t true. She’d weathered breakups before, and she had the strength to do it again. But leaving Xander? That would be devastating. On the other hand, shutting down this amazing attraction because it scared her? That would be stupid and cowardly.
She stroked his flat pec. “I’m not ready to talk about love yet, but I like you a lot. And I want to explore this connection we’ve got.” She gave a dry chuckle. “That’s a bit terrifying to admit, considering my history.”
“Hey.” He cupped her cheek, his touch warm and reassuring. “Your past doesn’t define you.”
“And your curse doesn’t define you.”
“Huh.” His gaze shifted away. “You know, it’s funny. I’ve made that stupid imaginary curse the focus of my life for so long, I haven’t stopped to consider what would happen if I just…let it go.”
She traced a circle around his heart. “I’d love to see what happens when you do.”
His smile bloomed slow and sweet and a tiny bit naughty. “Well then, I’ll have to stick around.” His fingertip circled her areola. “Would you like that, Hannah middle name Leone?”
She laughed, and God, did it feel good to laugh with this delicious man. “It’s Elisabetta. And I’d like that very much, Xander shmrr-shmrr Anagnos.”
His laughter shook the mattress. “It’s Ioannis. That’s Greek for John.”
“Ioannis. I like it.” She grasped his hand and flattened it over her breast.
“I’m so glad.” His smile simmered with wicked mischief. “Now, about that taste you denied me.” He waggled his eyebrows and slid down, down, down until he was crouching between her thighs. “Look at you, Hannah. You’re glorious.”
One swipe of his tongue, and her mind blanked. All she knew was Xander, wanting him, needing him, and God help her, loving him.
Chapter Fourteen
ThethirdSaturdayinMarch dawned blustery, clear, and bright, one of those days where Xander’s ability to concentrate on boring plumbing repairs flagged whenever he glanced out the window.
The plumber doffed his stained ball cap. “For the record, I think you’re making a mistake.”
Not the first time he’d heard that line from a contractor, but desperate budgets called for desperate shortcuts, even if it meant holding the building together with duct tape and bubble gum.
For the time being, if he had any hope of re-opening by Memorial Day, he’d have to get by on a wing, a prayer, and the bare minimum patchwork repairs to bring the old hulk up to code. Next winter, once he built up his cash reserves, he’d tackle more in-depth upgrades to pipes, wiring, and roofing.
Time to put Hannah’s big talk about ‘Trappers Cove takes care of our own’ to the test.
He conjured up his best sad-puppy expression. “Listen, Joe, I’m really backed into a corner here, and I need your help.”
The old guy snorted. “Okay, son, don’t get weepy on me.” He lifted an enormous pipe wrench. “I’ll patch ‘er up again, just like Gus has been doing for the past five years. But I can’t guarantee how long it’ll last. Best you put up one of those signs about what not to flush.”
“Right—paper towels, lady products, hopes and dreams.” He’d make the biggest sign ever seen in a public restroom.
Feeling a buzz in his pocket, Xander pulled out his phone. A big, goofy smile stretched his lips as he read Hannah’s invitation.
You work too hard, X. Take a break? We'll check out few more places in TC.
I’ll have you back by two. Space Scout's honor.
What did she have planned? Maybe a quick nooner in her apartment over theBeacon? Though his hips and back were a little stiff from all their bedroom activity since that first delicious romp on Wednesday, the thought of more naked time with Hannah made his mouth water.
“Hey Joe, you okay without me for a while?”
The plumber gave a dismissive wave. “Go enjoy the day, kid. You’re no use to me here.”
Humming under his breath, Xander pulled on his jacket and trotted outside, happy and energized despite his heavy workload. Chalk it up to the power of mind-blowing sex.
Though they hadn’t yet discussed their relationship status, Hannah had spent the last three nights in his bed. Already, it seemed natural and right to wake wrapped around her soft warmth in what he’d come to think of as their little love nest.
